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Rutherford

Private Equity NQ: March 2027 Intake - Leading US Law Firm

London
Posted about 22 hours ago
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Job Opportunity: Trainee Solicitor in Private Equity

Our client, a leading US law firm with an expanding London presence, is seeking to hire into its highly regarded Private Equity practice. The team advises some of the world’s most prominent private equity sponsors and alternative investment platforms on complex, high-value transactions across the lifecycle of their investments.

About the Role

This opportunity offers the chance to work closely with market-leading partners and associates on flagship buyouts, minority investments, carve-outs, and exit transactions, with regular exposure to cross-border mandates spanning the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

The London private equity group has grown steadily alongside increasing sponsor demand and plays a key role in supporting the firm’s dominant US platform, particularly on European and international deal execution.

Work Highlights

  • The practice acts for an impressive roster of global private equity sponsors, growth equity investors, and alternative capital providers. Clients include leading buyout houses, credit funds, and infrastructure investors, as well as sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and other institutional capital sources.
  • Lawyers in the team advise across the full spectrum of private equity work, including:
    • Buy-side and sell-side private equity transactions, including leveraged buyouts, minority investments, and sponsor-led exits.
    • Cross-border M&A transactions involving complex acquisition structures and multi-jurisdictional deal teams.
    • Joint ventures, co-investments, and consortium deals alongside institutional investors and strategic partners.
    • Management equity and incentive arrangements in connection with sponsor-backed acquisitions.
    • Ongoing portfolio company advisory work, including bolt-on acquisitions, restructurings, and disposals.

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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

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Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

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Candidate Profile

  • Trainee Solicitor at a leading City or international firm, qualifying in March 2027 with Private Equity and/or M&A seat experience.
  • Strong academics and a solid training background.
  • Exposure to sponsor-led transactions, leveraged acquisitions, or complex corporate deals.
  • Commercial mindset with an interest in private capital and sponsor dynamics.
  • Enthusiasm for developing client relationships and contributing to business development at an early stage.

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This is an excellent opportunity to join a US firm with a top-tier global reputation in private equity, as it continues to strengthen its London platform. The role offers exposure to some of the most sophisticated sponsors in the market, working on high-profile transactions within a collaborative and ambitious team.

Rutherford is a leading legal recruiter that also works closely with tier one sponsors, buyside firms, and investment banks for in-house roles. Please get in contact if you would like to be alerted to the most exciting Counsel opportunities.

To find more of our jobs please visit our website: https://www.rutherfordsearch.com/jobs

Job Reference: NWC3313

Keywords: Private Equity, M&A, Buyouts, Leveraged Acquisitions, Sponsor-led Transactions, Management Equity, Cross-border M&A, NQ PQE, London, US Law Firm, Private Capital, Alternative Investments

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Skills

Private Equity
M&A
Buyouts
Leveraged Acquisitions
Sponsor-led Transactions
Management Equity
Cross-border M&A
Corporate Deals
Joint Ventures
Co-investments
Portfolio Company Advisory
Client Relationship Management
Business Development

Location

London, England, United Kingdom

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